DoD awards $21.5M engineering services contract to Bio Response Solutions Inc. for EDS System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,500,000 ($21.5M)

Contractor: BIO Response Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-27

End Date: 2027-03-27

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: EDS SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.5 million to BIO RESPONSE SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: EDS SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract value of $21.5 million over approximately 3 years. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources. 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined scope and cost. 4. Performance period spans from September 2024 to March 2027. 5. Contract awarded to Bio Response Solutions Inc. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541330 for Engineering Services. 7. The contract is for the EDS System, with specific details not provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.5 million for approximately three years of engineering services appears within a reasonable range for complex system development or support. However, without specific details on the scope of the EDS System and the services required, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering contracts for defense systems would provide better context for pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded prior to the solicitation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process aimed at achieving fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the primary beneficiary, receiving engineering services for the EDS System. The contract supports the development, maintenance, or enhancement of the EDS System, crucial for defense operations. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the contractor's facilities and DoD operational sites, with potential for national security implications. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for engineers and technical staff at Bio Response Solutions Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed scope for the EDS System makes it difficult to assess the full value and potential for cost overruns.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further investigation to understand the rationale and impact on competition.
Limited information on contractor past performance for similar large-scale defense systems.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition, even with exclusions, suggests an effort to leverage market forces.
The contract duration of approximately three years allows for sustained support and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader defense industrial base. The market for defense engineering services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for modernization, maintenance, and development of complex military systems. Spending in this sector is often characterized by long-term contracts, specialized expertise, and significant government oversight. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded by the DoD for similar system types.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Bio Response Solutions Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own procurement strategies and the specific needs of the EDS System project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. As a Firm Fixed Price contract, oversight will likely focus on adherence to the defined scope, quality of deliverables, and schedule milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms within the federal procurement system. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Engineering Services Contracts
EDS System Support Contracts
Bio Response Solutions Inc. Contracts
Firm Fixed Price Defense Contracts
Full and Open Competition Defense Contracts

Risk Flags

Ambiguity in contract scope (EDS System definition).
Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Need for further due diligence on contractor's past performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.5 million to BIO RESPONSE SOLUTIONS INC. EDS SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIO RESPONSE SOLUTIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-27. End: 2027-03-27.

What is the specific nature and function of the EDS System?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature or function of the 'EDS System.' EDS typically stands for Electronic Data System, but in a defense context, it could refer to a wide array of systems, such as Electronic Warfare Systems, Engineering Data Systems, or Emergency Deployment Systems. Without further details, it is impossible to ascertain the system's criticality, technological complexity, or the specific engineering services required. This lack of clarity hinders a comprehensive assessment of the contract's value and the contractor's role.

How does the $21.5 million contract value compare to similar engineering services contracts for defense systems?

Benchmarking the $21.5 million contract value requires comparing it to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for comparable systems. Factors such as system complexity, duration of support, and the specific engineering disciplines involved (e.g., software, hardware, systems integration) are crucial for a meaningful comparison. If the EDS System is a large, complex platform requiring extensive design, development, or sustainment, $21.5 million over three years might be considered moderate. However, without more context on the EDS System and the scope of services, a definitive comparison is difficult. Further analysis would involve querying federal procurement databases for similar contracts based on NAICS code 541330 and relevant keywords.

What are the potential risks associated with a Firm Fixed Price contract for engineering services?

Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts offer cost certainty to the government, as the price is set regardless of the contractor's actual costs. However, risks can arise if the scope of work is not clearly defined or if unforeseen technical challenges emerge. For engineering services, particularly for complex systems like the EDS System, there's a risk that the contractor may cut corners on quality to maintain profitability if costs exceed estimates. Conversely, if the scope is underestimated by the government, the contractor may be incentivized to limit deliverables. Effective management and clear contract specifications are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What does 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' imply for this contract?

This procurement method indicates that the solicitation was open to all responsible sources, but certain potential sources were excluded prior to the solicitation process. This exclusion could be based on various factors, such as prior performance issues, specific security requirements, or the need for specialized capabilities that only a limited number of firms possess. While it aims for broad competition, the exclusion of specific sources might limit the overall competitive landscape and potentially impact price discovery. Understanding the rationale behind the exclusions is key to assessing the true level of competition achieved.

What is the track record of Bio Response Solutions Inc. in performing similar defense engineering contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Bio Response Solutions Inc. in performing similar defense engineering contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require examining their past performance ratings on federal contracts, the size and complexity of previous projects, and client feedback. Without this information, it's challenging to evaluate their capability and reliability in executing the EDS System contract effectively. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would be the primary sources for this analysis.

How does the $21.5M award compare to historical spending on the EDS System, if applicable?

The provided data does not offer historical spending information for the EDS System. To assess how this $21.5 million award compares to past expenditures, one would need to access historical contract data for the EDS System or similar systems managed by the Department of Defense. Analyzing trends in spending, contract types, and awardees over time would reveal whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment. This historical context is vital for understanding the program's lifecycle and budget allocation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: PLUMBING, HEATING, WASTE DISPOSAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912DR24R0024

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 200 COLIN CT, DANVILLE, IN, 46122

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,390,000

Exercised Options: $21,500,000

Current Obligation: $21,500,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline